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Uzbekistan: After Outcry, Karimov’s Visit to Europe “Postponed”

President Islam Karimov’s would-be hosts in Prague say the Uzbek strongman has postponed his trip to the Czech Republic, according to a local news outlet. The announcement follows concerted pressure on Prague from dozens of human rights groups concerned that the February 20-22 visit would allow Karimov to whitewash his brutal record.

Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek confirmed the news to the Respekt.cz news website on February 13.

It seems unlikely we'll ever know who initiated the postponement, Karimov or his Czech counterpart Milos Zeman. Both may have bowed to the pressure, fearing the visit could become a PR nightmare.

But only two days ago, Zeman was defending the visit, telling the umbrella group of watchdogs to butt out of his affairs.

The Uzbek Foreign Ministry wasn't immediately available for comment on February 13. If the visit is cancelled, it is unlikely they will say much, since Uzbekistan’s tightly controlled media use Karimov’s rare trips abroad to enhance his prestige and make him appear as a recognized elder statesman.

The last time Karimov visited the West was in January 2011 when he was invited by NATO to Brussels.